FordFocus2001
  1. Ford Focus
  2. Problems
  3. 2001
  4. Switch

2001 Ford Focus Switch Problems

129
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Among these 129 stored complaint records:

  • 1 indicate a crash
  • 0 indicate injury
  • 0 indicate fire

What owners report

  • ignition switch · 70 records
  • steering wheel · 20 records
  • turn ignition · 20 records
  • ignition cylinder · 18 records
  • same problem · 13 records
  • replace ignition · 12 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
30–60k mi39
60–100k mi28
1–30k mi10
100–150k mi7
150–400k mi1

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • December 7, 2003 · 79,292 miles

    Switch

    My 2001 ford focus se wagon had its ignition switch malfunction. Ford dealership said graphite and/or wd40 would not fix it, that it had to be replaced. It cost usd$440 and i lost a full day's pay. The tow truck driver said he's responded to 24 calls on ford focus ignition failures. I found a website call www.automotivetalk.net where 85 people have made complaints on the ignition switch this year. What do we have to…

    ODI 10102367

  • December 5, 2003 · 80,000 miles

    Switch

    The ignition switch locked without warning. As a result, the vehicle became inoperative. *ak several people tried to unjam the key but no success. A tow company was called and the tow company stated that many ford focuses were having the same problem. The tow advised tapping on the key with a hammer to see if the tumblers would realign. It worked and the vehicle was taken home and again the ignition jammed but after…

    ODI 10050243

  • November 1, 2003 · 47,000 miles

    Switch

    Dt:the contact owns a 2001 ford focus lx. The ignition key would not turn in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealership , and when the contact got the bill it was $500, including towing. This incident happened twice in november 2003. Ignition switch was replaced under warranty, and again on august 8, 2005 ignition switch failed. The repair invoice for august 8, 2005 stated diagnostic key will not turn in…

    ODI 10132634

  • October 27, 2003 · 62,000 miles

    Exhaust System · Switch

    The ignition switch was locked in place and would not move. This caused the steering wheel to be locked. Also, exhaust sensor had to be replaced three times because it did not register properly. *ak

    ODI 10044758

  • September 24, 2003 · 53,796 miles

    Switch

    Upon starting vehicle steering column locked up. Vehicle was towed the dealership, who replaced the ignition switch . This failure recurred twice, and the ignition switch was replaced twice. *ak

    ODI 10080216

  • August 5, 2003 · 48,500 miles

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Switch

    I purchased my 2001 ford focus on august 6 2002. In the last year i have had to replace all brakes and now my ignition is stuck. I took the car to my dealership (citrus ford in ontario california) and after spending an extra 1200 on an extrended warranty when i purchased the car, they told me the ignition cylinder was not covered under my warranty. Have they looked at the number of people that are having this…

    ODI 10030927

  • August 1, 2003 · 47,000 miles

    Electrical · Ignition · Module · Switch

    Ignition cylinder broke without any signs, and was stuck without a car for a week. *ak

    ODI 10031172

  • July 22, 2003

    Switch

    My key was stuck in the ignition switch. It did not turn easily. Luckily i was able to start the car, and bring it to the dealer. They replaced ignition tumbler at 31500 miles.*ak

    ODI 10030882

  • July 22, 2003

    Switch

    Consumer states that ignition switch broke. Dealer notified. *ak

    ODI 10029840

  • July 21, 2003

    Switch

    Consumer states ignition switch is not working properly. Dealer notified. *ak

    ODI 10029759

  • July 10, 2003 · 61,000 miles

    Switch

    The key didn't go all the way down into ignition. I had to replace the ignition lock cylinder.*ak

    ODI 10025933

  • June 13, 2003 · 54,000 miles

    Switch

    Ignition switch froze and would not turn. Had to be towed to dealer at cost of $50. Switch had to be drilled out and replaced along with an inner part at a cost of around $250. Car has 54,000 miles. *nlm

    ODI 10023127

  • June 12, 2003 · 48,193 miles

    Switch

    When the vehicles key is placed in the ignition sometimes the key will not turn, dealer has to replace the ignition switch.*ak *ts

    ODI 10031921

  • May 7, 2003

    Switch

    IGNITION KEY WILL NOT TURN. *NM

    ODI 10132144

  • March 5, 2003 · 10,500 miles

    Switch

    DIFFICULTY TURNING KEY IN IGNITION (ILC). *NLM

    ODI 10018588

  • January 1, 2003 · 20,000 miles

    Switch

    Jan 2003 - ignition locked and key could not be turned. Car was towed to dealership and the ignition cylinder had to be drillled out and replaced.ay 2003 - same as abovej. Une 2003 - same as above. *ak

    ODI 10026127

  • December 7, 2002 · 16,500 miles

    Switch

    I have had my 2001 ford focus ignition switch lock up on me a total of four times in the first 14 months i owed my focus. If you have this problem, look at the tip of your key -- is it being worn down at the tip? This is the source of the problem -- ford basically used inferior metal when designing their keys for the 2000-2001 ford focuses. They have supposedly fixed this problem in later models. After having my…

    ODI 10047445

  • June 24, 2002

    Switch

    While parking ignition switch will lock up because key will not turn vehicle on, causing vehicle to be towed. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak

    ODI 8013232

  • April 27, 2002

    Switch · Tailgate

    When putting key in ignition key won't turn, and sometimes it will afterwards jiggle around. Took to dealer, and tumblers replaced. Also, tailgates are too high. Consumer has injured shoulders opening and closing the tailgates.*ak

    ODI 8011404

  • April 6, 2002

    Fuel System, Gasoline · Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. · Switch · Tires

    Key will not turn in ignition. Took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced locking mechanism in steering column. *ak the fuel mileage was not consistent with what was stated , the fuel pump was replace along eith the filter, egr valve and radio, two front tires were replaced at 10,700. *yh

    ODI 8018050

  • January 31, 2002 · 64,639 miles

    Switch

    Ignition cylinder on my 2001 ford focus has failed twice and left me stranded . Total cost of repairs is over $700. Ford will not stand behind product. Recall is in order. *jb

    ODI 10060594

  • November 4, 2001

    Switch

    Complaint : ignition lock would not release key and turn far enough to cut the engine off ( key would otherwise move freely). History : key would not come out on random occasions without a second try . The key would always come out on the second try and could never reproduce the problem immediately.*ak

    ODI 754065

  • October 24, 2001 · 82,610 miles

    Switch

    Ford focus year 2001 - the ignition has locked up twice. Had aaa locksmith make a new key that worked better- old key you have to hit with force to make it work. Now it turns but won't start. *nm

    ODI 10171768

  • June 1, 2001

    Switch

    When attempting to start vehicle, the key will stick in ignition and will not start vehicle. Dealership has examined vehicle three times, and failed to remedy the problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak

    ODI 891602

  • April 14, 2001 · 42,977 miles

    Switch

    I just bought a used 2001 ford focus and had to pay to replace the ignition cylinder. The car only has 40,000 miles and i think that a part this expensive should last longer. I searched for other people with the same problem and found many frustrated focus owners who are having the same problem. I think this part should have a longer warranty. *ak

    ODI 10067745